Sony HDTV "Flicker" Problem

[neomaxi]

Just to make anyone aware,
Sony has a major "flicker" problem with select models of the Rear Projection TV's with serial numbers starting with "90".  I know because I have this problem.  It's an annoying Green flicker and background flicker. Best Buy was out once already, but it still happens.  Not as bad though.  Heres some info if anyone is interested.


SonyGuy,

My 57WS500 started the same exact problem last night (11/06). I bought the TV on (10/03). Since purchasing the set I have become a member of yahoo group 'sonyhs10' and visitHome Theater Spot - Sony Forum on a daily basis. I have become aware of a "flicker issue" with these and many other Sony RPTVs. FYI, here is a service bulletin that was posted in the mentioned forum a few weeks back.

*****************
9/26/2002 Event ID
E18048974 Model
KDP57XBR2, KDP65XBR2, KP51HW40, KP51WS500, KP57HW40, KP57WS500
Subject
Picture flickers at dark scene, also changes in hue can occur
Symptom: 1. Picture changes hue yellow or greenish 2. Picture
flickers symptom at dark scene

SYMPTOMS

1. Background brightness may have a subtle flickering in the picture
2. Picture has large shift of hue due to low output of one of the
CRT'S
(cannot be corrected by hue control in menu)

CAUSE

Flickering in picture caused by leakage current, and hue shift (low
output of one CRT) is caused by IK range.

RESOLUTION

This symptom will only occur with serial numbers starting with 90,
which have the possibility of this symptom occurring. If the customer
complains of any of the symptoms above please do the following:

Change on A Board: IK limiter range increase. (White balance change
symptom)
R508 To 2.2k chip resistor P/N 1-216-825-91
R507 To 2.2k chip resistor P/N 1-216-825-91

Change on the D Board Heater Voltage change (Picture flickers symptom
at dark scene)
R8061 To 1.8 ohm metal oxide P/N 1-216-392-11

The reference value of Heater resistor on D mount for RA-5A is
identical to RA-6 models, R8061.
RA-6 RA-5A Value
R507 R3229 3.3K > 2.2K
R508 R3230 1K > 2.2K

NOTE: If symptom of Flickering in picture is still present after the
resistor change was implemented then all three CRT's should be
replaced.
White balance and G-2 should be re-adjusted.

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS AND GRAPHICS


Name: mod.pdf
Description: Location of R507 & R508
Size: 102740 bytes

Name: MOD2.pdf
Description: A Board location of R507 & R508
Size: 57510 bytes

Name: mod3.pdf
Description: D Board location of R8061
Size: 44631 bytes


MORE INFORMATION

Unit/Model Details

Links

Unit/Model Detail

Unit(s): SN Start SN End Factory Family Name Product Category
KDP57XBR2 9000001 9000565 PITT RA5A TVP
KDP65XBR2 9000001 9000340 PITT RA5A TVP
KP51HW40 90XXXXXX 90XXXXXX PITT RA6 TVP
KP51WS500 9000001 9020557 PITT RA6 TVP
KP57HW40 90XXXXXX 90XXXXXX PITT RA6 TVP
KP57WS500 9000001 9014575 PITT RA6 TVP
*****************

Print it out and make sure your tech has a copy! Many, many people have had numerous things replaced without fixing it (focus blocks, D-boards, A-Boards etc). I know of two people that have had the full fix as outlined in the bulletin on the KPHW40 models and although its only been about 2 or 3 weeks, they are flicker free.

My set, is not yet showing a color or hue shift but the flickering brightness is there after about 5 or 10 minutes on the set being on.

Please send me your email as I would like to keep in touch with you during your troubleshooting. Did you contact Sony about it? or just go to the warranty shop or?
 http://www.agoraquest.com/viewtopic.php?topic=3133&forum=34